World-Class Speakers Confirmed for Christian Business Leaders Conferences (ELO Forums 2026)

Since its foundation in 2005, every year ELO has delivered an incredible roster of world-class speakers presented at Canada's premier conferences (the ELO Forums) for Christian business leaders and entrepreneurs. This year is no different! Continue reading to learn about this year's roster of speakers at our events in Winnipeg (Oct 22), Vancouver (Nov 4), and Toronto (Nov 18).

  • Titi Akinsamni, Global Policy Strategist; AI Governance Leader, Innisfil, ON. Guided by her "5 I's" leadership framework—Inspire, Impact, Involve, Inform, and Influence—Titi will be speaking on navigating the "innovation-regulation" paradox. 
  • Kathleen Cooke, Co-Founder & Media Executive, Cooke Media Group & The Influence Lab/Influence Women, Nashville, TN, USA, will be presenting on "Influencing Culture: Lessons from Changing Hollywood from the Inside."
  • Phil Cooke, Co-Founder & President, Cooke Media Group, Nashville, TN, USA, will be speaking on "Ideas on a Deadline: How to be Creative When the Clock is Ticking." 
  • Steve French, Founder,  Lˣ Partners, Orlando, FL, USA, will speak on "Called to Flourish at Work."
  • Jillian Gilbert. Director, Leadership By Design, IWU, Indianapolis, IN, USA, will speak on  "LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®: The Power of 100% Engagement (with Dr. Wendi McGehee)"
  • Marina Hofman, Author, Biblical Scholar & Theology Professor, Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL, USA, will speak on "Leading Without Losing Your Center."
  • Andy Hughes, President of Mobility & Chief Innovation Officer, Affinity Risk Solutions, Indianapolis, IN, USA, will speak on "Surfing the Waves of Change: Thoughts from a Man Who Can't Swim."
  • Nona Jones, CEO, Inside Out Leadership, FL, USA, will be speaking on "Success from the Inside Out."
  • Ken Keis, President & CEO, CRG International, Abbotsford, BC, will be speaking on "Leadership & Team Development."
  • Wendi McGehee, Executive Director of Innovation, Strategy & Lifelong Learning; DeVoe School of Business, Indiana Wesleyan University, Indianapolis, IN, USA - Her session is "LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®: The Power of 100% Engagement (with Dr. Jillian Gilbert)
  • Paul Stevens, Professor Emeritus of Marketplace Theology and Leadership, Regent College, Vancouver, BC. He will be speaking on "Kingdom Entrepreneurship: What is Your Mission in the Marketplace?"
  • David Zietsma, President, Redeemer University, Hamilton, ON, will address the topic "Higher Education, Faith, and Innovation: Navigating Challenges in a Rapidly-Changing Sector."

Additional presenters include: Ray Pennings, Co-Founder & Executive VP, Cardus, Ottawa, ON; Ben Slager, Partner & CEO, MDS M & A Lawyers, Vancouver, BC, and Kindree ChescoeFounder & Principal Designer, KLC kre-a-tiv, Vancouver, BC. 

Categories: Forums, Speakers